Category: Richmond, VA

  • Steady is the drip that wears the rock away…

    12 intrepid and burgeoning leaders – including 3 FNG’s – descended upon Mount Trashmore for what has now become a hallmark AO for the steadily growing Hampton Roads F3 site.

    The Thang:

    Bleeder Q:  Mosey to steps and perform Step Lunges to the top of MT. Mosey to other side of MT for COP:  SSH, LBC, DQ, Merkins, Imperial Walkers.

    Swirly Q: At the top of the hill, perform Polar Bears from one point to the “Pole” (more about that later).  Perform 20 WW2 situps, and run back.  Al Gore until all were done.  Run to bottom of hill near parking lot for a Triple-Check (2 rounds).  One partner runs up (stairs) and down hill, while other 2 perform Pole Smokers and Merkins.  Runner returns and everyone advances to next exercise.

    Saab Q:  Jacobs Ladder up/down MT.  Ascending Burpees up to 7.  Perform 5 WWII situps each time one passes the midpoint (level area) of the hill.  Hold legs 6 inches until all are done.

    TYA Q:  <start by reminding everyone the importance of his role as Q and how they must all do what he says>.  Perform 11’s from starting point to “TYA’s Pole”.  10 Merkins, 1 Flutter Kick (2 count).  Perform one more round of (10) Merkins and then mosey back to flag for a few minutes of Mary.  Mary:  Rosalitas, Hello Dollys, American Hammers, LBC’s, Superman.  TYA then took us out.

    Moleskin:

    With Bleeder’s “Jack-Bag” in hand, the Richmond PAX departed for Mount Trashmore several hours before dawn.  As one gets to know each PAX, you learn such things as their “density,” one’s preferred temperature (every 15 minutes), and the precise times one’s GI tract come to life each morning.  One also learns that banging on the doors of a convenience store that has not yet opened is acceptable and explainable behavior when one finds it is owned by Bleeder Enterprises, LLC.

    Upon arrival at MT, the PAX was quickly impressed with the size and area of the park and quickly named off a litany of potential drills.  TYA was convinced that, given his commanding leadership as a Q, no PAX would question swimming the lake if directed.  It was at this point YHC questioned that assertion and weighed his respect for a pillar of F3 RVA, with the health risks associated with swimming in a lake located at the foot of a former trash dump.

    There was some initial debate on where to park – either where F3 RVA was previously instructed to park, or elsewhere.  The Richmond PAX chose elsewhere.  It was at that time we had to regroup and mosey to the proper location where the Hampton Roads PAX had already planted their shovel flags.

    As we proceeded through the workout, TYA felt compelled to profess his knowledge of science and engineering by quizzing the PAX on the purpose of the “pole” potruding from the top of the mountain.  Knowledgeable responses were swift, however, and thus “TYA’s Methane Gas Pole” was anointed…”TYA’s Pole” for short.   During the Triple-Checks, one of the PAX remarked on Swirly’s slow, steady, and textbook-form when performing the Merkins.  Swirly’s commanding reply was “Steady is the drip that wears the rock away…”.  It was at that point the PAX were rendered speechless by Swirly’s poetic prowess.

    Also observed was the distribution of custom t-shirts off a (tiny) truck to the “Campos” contingent – which reportedly read “Campos owns Mount Trashmore” on the back. It was all Swirly could do to restrain himself. There was also brief discussion surrounding the number of times the PAX went up the hill during the course of the workout (7)…or 11 by Swirly’s math. (In fairness, one must qualify whether merely “Traversing” a hill counts, and if there is a break in the ascent (e.g.to perform WWII’s) it almost feels like two climbs.  Interesting that one of the PAX pointed out…”we only went up the hill once last week”.

    We welcomed 3 FNG’s (LN2, Sheldon, and Lance). They worked hard today and I hope they continue to post and bring in others.  TClaps to the following: Lance…for choosing to take a morning run before the workout (because 1 hour is not enough), Priorities…for having a baby last Tuesday, and still making the time to post, and Dreamliner for his ongoing enthusiasm and effort to make F3 Hampton Roads a reality.

    Announcements:  Workout at MT next Saturday.  Beginning the week after Thanksgiving, DreamLiner is starting a mid-week workout beginning at 5:30.  Please continue to EH others and grow F3 Hampton Roads.

    Saab abides

     

     

     

  • The tree with the leaves

    17 of the faithful and 1 FNG circled around the flag and discussions were centered around the lack of a certain company wrapped truck.

    0600 and we were off to mosey to the first circle for the COP.

    25xSSH, 15xMerkin, 10xDQ, 10xPeterParker, 10xCrunchy Frog

    Mosey to the side of the Carillon for Touch a tree/Tag a partner.

    • Round 1 – Partner 1 bear crawl to tree 1, run to touch 2 more,  Partner 2 AMRAP merkins
    • Round 2 – 5 trees, American Hammer
    • Round 3 – 7 trees, Donkey Kicks

    Mosey to Rusty Cage.  Partner up. 10 pull ups,  run to fire hydrant 9 WWII, 8 pull ups, 7 WWII, continue to 1.

    Plankarama at the cage.  Then, 5 Jerkins each,  10 merkins for 2 rounds.

    Amphitheater time. LBCS while waiting for the 6.

    • Box jumps, increasing from 1 to 18 at the top.  Al Gore and plank.
    • 5 derkins each step going down.   Flipper led plankarama at the bottom.

    Mosey up to the circle for Mary. Flutter Kicks, Dollies, American Hammer, LBCS.

    Ring of Fire – 10 merkins and back to the flag.

    COT

    NMM

    Today is International Men’s Day, in celebration of that YHC decided to do what typical F3 RVA men do and get after it early in the morning.  F3 is a group that embodies what the day is about,  providing support, encouragement and leadership among men.

    Welcome to FNG Spencer Monroe,  now Coyote Ugly, a friend of Gumbo and I from a previous life.  According to him he almost splashed merlot but made it through and agrees that he is better for it.  Hopefully we’ll get him back soon. 

    YHC threw out some instructions at the Rusty Cage that confused everyone, including YHC.  Unfortunately Fudd wasn’t there to clarify.  Run to the fire hydrant,  it’s dark, where is that?  By the tree with the leaves…in the middle of the stuff, with the bark and limbs.  Luckily some of the regulars were there to translate.  You against you, even when giving out instructions.

    Cliffhanger made another showing after YHC bribed him with bacon at ET and he did more merkins than he ever has before.  Flipper led the PAX down the amphitheater derkins after the box jumps wasted most everyone else except Helix who bounced up the steps like a blue ball.  Fudd posted after running to the AO, which is always impressive and makes us wonder, is he the next SAAB?  Fun at ET afterwards as always where we discussed naming and tried to explain to Cliffhanger how they made a movie about Coyote Ugly.  Glad TwoCan could join us for his first venture to ET, I think the lure of the 2nd F and eggs will bring him back.

    Great work pushing through by everyone.  

    Everything is coming up Rosie.

  • The PAX has voted… with their attire

    Ten tightless travelers came out to run on a beautiful morning. 39 degrees made shorts routes only needed so:

    4 Milers:  Commonwealth to Monument, Right on Belmont, Right on Cary

    5 Milers: Monument to Davis, Cary back

    6 Milers: Monument to Allen, Cary back

    NMS: None of the TLM movement were in attendance so the normal 456 routes were offered. Lugnut asked before the start the 4 mile route so he could arm himself with an appropriate weapon against those pesky Pinecones. He opted not to bring his shotgun or broom, instead chosing to run carefully. Good to have you back Lug! YHC forgot to ask if Lugnut opted for the Zamboni feature on his new ride to sweep SOT of cones.

    As soon as the PAX hit Commonwealth Saab took off with the normal 6 Milers Sippy and Marv keeping pace. Saab mentioned he got a tune up this week and said his mechanic gave him the all clear for higher mileage. YHC supposes being of Swedish origin Saabs are designed to run better in colder temperatures.

    Splinter left YHC, Rosie, and Swirly on Monument and got some extra mileage in.

    All 10 made it back safely again today, taking the count of weeks since last directional incident to 2. YHC was somewhat concerned about BackBay but he made it back fine.

    Announcements- 45Mom is a full hour on Thanksgiving, normal start time. RVA shirts are up on the F3 Mudgear site.

  • Next Exercise….The Merkin!

    17 gloom regulars posted on this beautiful Thursday morning where the weather was almost 70 and Sunny and the chorus of the day was:  Next Exercise….The Merkin – much to Swirly’s delight!  The PAX caught on quickly.

    Mosey to the fields for COP:

    1. SSH x20 IC
    2. Merkins x10 IC
    3. Don Quioxtes x10 IC — super slow-mo
    4. Merkins x10 IC
    5. Copperhead Squats x10 IC
    6. Merkins x10 IC
    7. LBCs x20 IC
    8. Merkins x10 IC
    9. Box Cutters x10 IC
    10. Merkins x10 IC

    A cool 100 Merkins for COP.

    Mosey to the far end-line of fields and count off into 3 groups for The Suck Relay

    1 Runner and 5 exercise stations:

    • Merkins or Mountain Climbers — PAX choice after round 1
    • Flutter Kicks
    • Jump Squats
    • Freddy Mercuries
    • Burpees

    Runner sprints to far end-line and back.  PAX perform AMRAP of designated exercise at your station until the runner gets back, then bear-crawl forward to the next station.  Burpee man becomes the runner.

    Repeat for 3 total rounds, with an F3-style intermission after Round 2 that included plank-o-rama and SSH x20 IC.

    Jacob’s Ladder:

    PAX lined up along the cones facing the North soccer goal.  Perform 1 merkin; run to mid-point and perform 1 Burpee; continue to goal-line and perform 2 Merkins, then back to mid-point for 2 Burpees.  Continue up to 7 Burpees.

    Al Gore for the six and then Mosey (briskly) back to the flag for some Ring of Fire, Dolly, Rosalita and Superman.

    Number-rama, Name-a-rama and COT with a wonderful, stank ball of man as YHC took us out.

    Announcements:

    • Clown car heading down to Hampton Roads this weekend – Swirly, TYA, Bleeder and others; Hardywood has 11/26; Rosie has 12/10 — Continue to Headlock and jump in a clown car if you can one Saturday.
    • 2.0 Friendly workout this Saturday at Gridiron – Honeydo has the Q.
    • Order your RVA shirts on MudGear now.
    • Special 1-hour Thanksgiving workout at Mary Munford – 0530 – 0630

    NMS:

    The gloom has really set in for November with darkness and cold in abundance.  Sometimes it feels like the gloom outside takes over and stress becomes overwhelming in these dark days (the Dark Ages as we called them at VMI).

    But, the men of F3 RVA break free from that dark hold every morning with an intense desire to be better, do better and get better each and every day.  Keep bringing it 100% gentlemen and let’s keep pushing each other and picking each other up.  It is inspiring to be a part of this group.  I am immensely thankful for you all!

    A pleasure to lead as always, thank you.

    No more Gumbo for you…

  • No Heidi Disruption

    Forty-eight years ago football fans on the east coast were abruptly deprived from seeing two fourth quarter touchdowns scored in nine seconds to lift the Raiders over the Jets – NBC programmers decided the public’s entertainment thirst was best quenched with a Heidi showing. No such disruption at Circus Maximus this morning where five grunting gladiators hoisted the iron to welcome the rising sun.

    Thang:

    X25 SSHs
    X25 Low Deep Squats
    X25 Curtsy Lunges (R&L)

    1st Quarter – 10 Minute EMOM:

    Odd Minutes:
    X8 KB American Swings
    X8 KB Squat and High Pulls
    X8 KB Squat and Presses

    Even Minutes:
    X8 KB Right Arm Rack Left Lunge
    X8 KB Left Arm Rack Right Lunge
    X8 KB Triceps Presses

    2d and 3d Quarters – the “300”:

    X25 APDs
    X25 KB Right Snatches
    X25 Merkins
    X25 KB Left Snatches
    X25 APDs
    X25 KB Right Swings
    X25 Merkins
    X25 KB Left Swings
    X25 APDs
    X25 KB Right Clean and Presses
    X25 Merkins
    X25 KB Left Clean and Presses

    4th Quarter – 10 Minute EMOM:

    Odd Minutes:
    X10 KB Halos Clockwise
    X10 KB Halos Counter-Clockwise

    Even Minutes:
    X10 KB Pull Overs
    X10 KB Tricep Presses

    COT:

    Counterama and Namearama

    Announcements #1: Pre-Game 0645 at GridIron – part 6 of Armor of God – Cecil will Q and add the Helmet of Salvation to our growing spiritual armament. Not necessary to have attended previous sessions – we welcome those who want to give it a try. 2.0 friendly workout to follow under Honey Do’s Q.

    Announcement #2: Join a clown car to F3 Hampton Road’s AO at Mount Trashmore; weekday workout has started at F3 Hampton Roads – see DreamLiner or F3 Richmond’s own NightCrawler for details.

    Attila closed us with prayer of supplication – that we yearn to be the instrument of God’s great love.

    Moleskin:

    A number of the PAX channeled their best Monica Seles as grunting was aplenty in the CM house this morning. And White Deer, egged on by Johnsonville, added the chorus by sticking with his Blazing Saddles repetoire.

    Nice to have Toga with us whose prescience led him to a CM that involved absolutely zero ambulation.

    GridIron will miss J’Ville and Attila this Saturday. Safe travel blessings to both. Attila celebrates Thanksgiving with his annual Bear Bryant pilgrimage. With rain in the forecast for Saturday, is it any wonder that J’Ville has an overnight trek planned with son somewhere in SNP?

    Stand Firm.

    He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.

    Proverbs 28:25 (NKJV)

  • Pre-Blast: 11/22/16 Day Trip on the AT

    TYA and Lab Rat have planned a little trail run/hike on the Appalachian Trail for above date, leaving town after kids get on buses.  Planned trip is to Rockfish Gap, run 19 miles south then come home.  TYA would love to have a buffer of more pax members to prevent the need of wearing earbuds the whole trip (it’s cute he thinks that will work).

    Anybody interested that can take a day off work is welcome to join us.  The entire leg is 19 miles, but shorter out and back legs of any distance would be available as well.  Plan on leaving town around 8 and returning after a mandatory trip to Bodo’s in C-ville for a late lunch.

    Contact Lab Rat to reserve your seat:  804-263-3570

  • Get that WDog while it’s nice and cold …

    VQ week rolls in in Richmond with another VQ lamb being led to the proverbial slaughter.  17 Faithful showed up for a 37° morning at WDog for a chilly and damp beatdown.

    (more…)

  • Deep Gloom, BearPees, and Frozen A$$es at SOT

    3 SOT Regulars and 1 SOT VQ took on the deep gloom of the frozen tundra to search for the Source of Truth.

    Here is how it went down.

    CoP

    • 20 X SSH
    • 10 x Don Quixote (slow)
    • 20 X Imperial Walkers
    • 20 X Flutter Kicks
    • 20 X LBCs
    • 16 2ct Merkins 

    Bearpee Shuffle 

    • Round 1 = Bearcrawl 30 yds and every 10 yards = 1 burpee
    • Round 2 = Bearcrawl 30 yds and every 10 yards = 2 burpee
    • Round 3 = Bearcrawl 30 yds and every 10 yards = 3 burpee
    • Round 4 = Bearcrawl 30 yds and every 10 yards = 4 burpee

    Touchdown Al Gore when Complete

    Mosey to Bleachers

    Lindsays

    • Round 1 = 30 Dips and 10 Jump ups LBCs
    • Round 2 = 25 Dips and 15 LBCs
    • Round 3 etc.

    Mosey back to goal line

    The (Merkin Infused) Beast 

    • Round 1 = Merkins (36)
    • Round 2 = Squats
    • Round 3 = Merkins (72)
    • Round 4 = LBCs
    • Round 5 = Merkins (108)
    • Round 6 = Merkins (144)

    Al Gore when done

    Mosey to poles for Indigenous Pole Smokers (4 Rounds)

     Mosey back to blacktop for Mary

    • 12 2ct Merkins
    • Freddie Mercuries IC
    • Alabama prom dates IC
    • Hello Dollies IC
    • Rosalitas IC

    Mosey back to the flag.
    Numberama, Name o Rama,
    Announcements

    • HDHH at TYAs
    • Hampton/Va Beach Q Schedule

    YHC took us out

    NMS

    The gloom is extreme at SOT.  There are diesel engines fuming in the air when you get out of your car…a 10 degree drop in temperature as you make your way into the tundra towards the football field of broken dreams…pine cones motivated to take out F3 brethren…and frozen benches waiting to drop anyone seeking to attempt a jump up or step up.  The truth about the Source of Truth is that conditions are tough and treacherous.  All of this was quickly realized as YHC got to the AO early to assess the terrain and perform a sweep of any suspicious pine cones.

    YHC was also excited to see Lugnut there eager to get back into the game after the infamous pine cone incident two weeks earlier and wanted to ensure that the AO was properly equipped and safe to execute the expected plan.

    After COP, there was much question from the PAX about the odd number of merkins that were performed.  That suspense was kept in check as we performed the BearPee Shuffle to get right into it.  The football field of broken dreams became the venue for this exercise.  The initial plan was to use the yard markers for identifying the 10 yard increments, however, they were marked in dark red, so it was virtually impossible to find them in the dark.  Luckily, Rosie was motivated to be in the front and became the compass for the PAX on when and where to perform burpees.

    Then Lindsay made her return to SOT.  The initial plan was to get some leg work in here, but that plan changed quickly upon discovery of the thin coat of ice and condensation on the bleachers.  Therefore, a quick audible was made to install LBCs in its place.

    Next up was the Beast, and YHC wanted to ensure that we got in a fair amount of merkins to include in the challenge for the month.  The initial plan was to go all in on them for the entire beast, but the bearpee shuffle had already fatigued the PAX (mainly YHCs shoulders) therefore, the decision was made to alternate until the last 2 rounds.  All in all, this brought the presumed merkin total to 160, before Rosie informed the PAX that the CPA Q (YHC) had miscounted the merkins and the amount was really 176 (YHC forgot to count the 2ct in COP).

    The indigenous pole smokers were performed upon the frosty grass at SOT.  This provided significant numbing of the buttocks region for each PAX member, but was a welcome transition from the running and merkins of the Beast.

    Lastly, the PAX was able to successfully complete 200 merkins for the morning during Mary and also significantly work and ice other parts of our bodies that were aching from this morning and weeks postings.

    YHC was honored and humbled to lead this morning and happy to finally take on the SOT as a Q.  Thanks to the PAX for following my lead this AM and for providing strategic guidance on exercise safety and accurate merkin counts.

    McRib

  • Double the Glory – Double the Fun

    15 Faithful returned to DaVille for a chilly morning F3 style. Circle K planted the first Shovel Flag with Abacus (asked by YHC the day prior to bring the Shovel Flag) soon after arriving with one of his own – both ended up being planted. Pax mosey around the parking lot and circled back to the front of Atlee for COP:

     

    COP

    SSH x 30 IC

    Don Quixote x 25 IC

    Jump Squats x 20

    LBC x 20 IC

    Dying Cockroach x 20 IC

    Merkins x 20

    Arm Circles x 10 small x 5 big – Reverso IC

     

    Triple Check: (Groups of 3)

    Wall Sits (3 sets)

    Merkins (2 sets) as many as possible

    WWII Situps (1 set) as many as possible

    Sprint to edge of Parking Lot & back (3 sets)

     

    Man Makers

    4 sets – Run the length of the soccer field with bear crawls and merkins called out by the Q

     

    After each set an exercise was selected by a member of the PAX:

    Set 1: Merkins x 10

    Set 2: American Hammers x 10

    Set 3: Burpees x 5

    Set 4: Countdown to Mosey for Poll Smokers

     

    Poll Smokers

    Poll Smokers with each Pax member performing 5 merkins, then reveso.

     

    ****Mosey to Football Field Parking Lot****

     

    The Gauntlet

    Burpees performed at each speed bump while increasing the amount at each speed bump by 2. Al Gore until all members of the PAX have performed the desired amount, then run to the next speed bump. All meet at the last bump to plank it out. Mosey to Flags.

     

    Ring of Fire

    Circle Up around the flags in plank position. One at a time, each member of the PAX performs (5) 10 merkins – ending with with Q.

     

    Moleskin

    Glad everyone was able to make it out on the cold November morning. Everyone dressed accordingly and with gloves on hand. Unexpectedly, Circle K arrived with a Flag Shovel in hand, unaware the YHC had asked Abacus to bring one the night before. Abacus shortly arriving there after proceeded to plant Ol’ Glory next to Circle K’s. Hence the name of this post.

     

    YHC proceeded to mosey around the parking lot at an unexpectedly quick pace being his first Q. After a circle around, DaVille circled up infront of the High School for COP. Soon after, Triple Check was revealed and judging by murmurs in the PAX was a favorite during the early morning.

     

    After the Triple Check, the Pax mosied to the soccer field for an unexpected treat – MAN MAKERS!! A personal favorite of YHC back from football practice during his time in high school. Then a segway into poll smokers, with the gauntlet soon after, proved to be sufficient for this morning’s faithful and was confirmed by heavy breathing while circling up around the flags.

     

    It was an honor to be YHC this morning and I appreciate all of those who showed up! Glad to finally get the virgin Q over and done with. See you guys next week!

     

  • Moonlight Run

    3 showed for the moon, 3 conquered 4.5 miles, clear skies, freezing temps, doing 3 loops around the school and 150 ish  merkins!